NEWS  AI  November 3, 2023  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In an extraordinary "in conversation" event, tech billionaire Elon Musk spoke with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during the culmination of this week's AI summit, addressing a range of topics from the impact of artificial intelligence to the potential challenges it poses.

During the 50-minute interview, Musk made a bold prediction that artificial intelligence would ultimately eliminate the need for paid work, sending ripples of both excitement and concern throughout the tech and political communities. He also warned of the emergence of humanoid robots capable of pursuing individuals relentlessly.

The two influential figures discussed London's status as a leading hub for the AI industry and the transformative potential of AI in education. However, the conversation took darker turns as they acknowledged the widespread anxiety about job displacement due to AI and agreed on the necessity for a regulatory "referee" to monitor future supercomputers.

Musk, known for his investments in AI firms and the use of AI technology in his Tesla self-driving cars, emphasized the safety concerns associated with humanoid robots. "At least a car can't chase you into a building or up a tree," he noted, underlining the potential risks posed by advanced AI systems.

Prime Minister Sunak, a proponent of boosting tech industry investment in the UK, displayed his enthusiasm for technology throughout the conversation. While the event lacked spontaneity and was challenging to hear due to its large audience, it marked a unique moment in which a prime minister interviewed a prominent businessman.

The event was held at Lancaster House in central London and allowed limited media access, with TV cameras excluded and only Downing Street-released footage available. The discussion delved into the possible advantages of AI, with Musk suggesting AI-powered companions for individuals who struggle to make friends and extolling the potential of AI as an ideal tutor for young learners.

Nevertheless, Musk's warning about AI's disruptive potential on traditional jobs was striking. He characterized AI as "the most destructive force in history" and speculated that there would come a point where jobs became unnecessary, emphasizing the need to find meaning in life beyond work.

Despite the philosophical discourse, there were no major announcements regarding how the UK plans to employ and regulate AI, aside from the prime minister's mention of AI enhancements for government websites.

Before the event, Musk took to his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to express skepticism about the summit's approach to AI safety. However, the event itself appeared to proceed harmoniously, with both Musk and Sunak recognizing each other's expertise and influence in the realm of AI.

From the perspective of onlookers, it was a challenge to determine who held more power in this unique conversation - the prime minister or the tech billionaire. Regardless, both Musk and Sunak aim to play pivotal roles in shaping the AI future that awaits humanity. The conversation left lingering questions about the implications of Musk's prediction that AI could render work obsolete and the need for responsible AI development and oversight in the UK and beyond.

(Cover image by PA Media)